Remember when Hip Hop was cool? When film clips were imaginative journeys through the dust, Mad Max style ( yes, we’ve all read THAT letter when Tupac and Dr.Dre first discovered Burning Man). When lyrics stretched beyond planting a ripe purple one on a chick. When songs started movements, stood for people and their beliefs.

Or were just simply a call to part-ay.

Growing up, this was the hip hop of my youth. I remember when radio would bleep out the swear words, but we still knew what was up and then snigger as we tried to boldly repeat them at school in front of our teachers. Sure, Sydney was a far cry from the streets of Compton but us youngins in the immigrant South West felt some sort of brotherhood. Kinda. A little.

So came the time to make a hip hop mix of all those songs that I still "get down" and "shake my booty" too. It ain't all about house, and yeah I know that half the deep house tracks I play are sampled from Warren G, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, etc. ( In fact I'm writing an article about that too, stay tuned. )

For some reason Biggie and Diddy –when he was still Puff, their film clip for “Mo Money Mo Problems” stood out in my young impressionable mind. All that flying around defying gravity and when rappers still attempted to dance in choreography. We all wanted to be that young kid jumping around in "Jump".

TLC flew the flag for tough young gals. Salt-n-Pepa for sexual liberation. Lauryn Hill, well she is the real Queen here. 

At the risk of looking like a hypocrite, Dr.Dre does feature heavily on this mix. But his beatings of women aside, you cannot erase this mans talent and influence on the hip hop industry. Those piano quavers that majestically introduce "Still Dre" still send shivers down my spine. He did, after all, pioneer the first white rapper who subsequently overtook in sales and platinum hits than most of the "Rap Gods" put together.

So come on ride the train, hey ride it! 

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In conjunction with Frieze Art Week in London, Baroness Ariane de Rothschild hosted the opening reception of "So British" by Thierry Bruet at the beautiful Alice Temperley store in Mayfair, London. The exhibition was a collection of paintings amongst the elegant glamour of the Temperley couture collection.

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I was glitzed up with a tight fitting silk dress from the Winter 14 collection. It had flower motifs that were strikingly similar to folk art from the Lowicki region known as wycinanki (paper cuttings). I wore this with a gold vintage Egyptian necklace and pointed black heels.


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The beauty of the store, clothes and people deserved a refined set list. A whisper told me that Alice loved all things Hotel Costes. Having played there during my months in Paris, I was pretty well introduced to the style. Stephane Pompougnac is a master at finding and producing lounge tunes that don't sound like you're stuck in a stuff elevator.

Track list:
"Don't turn it off" - 40 Thieves feat. Qzen
"Tears dry on their own (Al Usher Remix)" - Amy Winehouse
"Yes baby yes" - Mo'Horizons
"Don't let go" - Pacha Massive
"My darling" - Ralph Myerz

Special thanks to the talented Sabrina of Sabrina Priano Make-up for making me look all dazzling.

Yesterday marked the beginning of the intimate sessions down at Blakes Hotel, London.

The luxuriously cosy bar is perfect to escape the forthcoming winter blues. An intimate abode where one can escape, sip on skillful crafted cocktails and listen to my deep tunes.



A visit from my girlfriend Melanie Ribbe (@MelanieRibbe) , who is also learning to become a DJ herself gave the night a nice surprise. And the ever energetic Alex Escat (@alexandraescat) who always adds a burst of colour to a crowd.

Thanks to all who came down and I look forward to warming your nights up for the few months ahead. Next time I promise to take pictures without the lazy eye ...

Tracklist :

"Never Too Much (Bondye & Lee Jo edit)" - Luther Vandross
"They Don't Know" - Disciples
"Ultravision (feat. Jaw)" - Seuil
"Memories" - Gauthier DM
"It's you (Ron Basejame remix)" - The White Lamp

230 miles, six hours, three trains, two coffees and an angry inspection lady (who eventually kicked me off the train, adding an extra hour to my travel time) and I was at the gates of the Mint Festival with an All Access Pass and my Artist Band in hand.  I was there to interview the DJs - some of the greatest in today's electronic music scene.
Not a bad gig.
 
In true English fashion, it was bloody freezing with drizzle creating a light fog.  In true English fashion, most people were dressed like it was an Australian summers day.

A circus themed field sprawled across Lincolnshire Showground with options to please any music junkie, on every notch of the spectrum. From disco to dub-step, drum’n’bass and techno – everyone was covered.

A stellar line up on each stage proved it difficult to choose where to head to first.

Personally the stand out sets that I had seen were Skream, Richy Ahmed and MK.  I’d never been hugely interested in MK but his energy and the vibe he created on stage was epic. Skream left the stage with a banger of a "Sexual Healing" remix, to the extent that Hot Since 82 was a little ruffled as to how to take over the decks. With class he let the track play out and let Skream take his bow. It’s so refreshing when DJs treat each other amicably. Something the older generation can take note of.

Egos and bad taste rivalry are so boring.

The biggest disappointment for me was not getting an interview with Paul Van Dyk. Even though I am not into his music anymore, he is still quite the legend and has lasted the distance in an industry that can chew you up and destroy you within a few years.

PVD had to rush off straight after his set – meaning literally off the stage and into a black car without even a moment to make eye contact. Boo.

Sander Van Door - among a few others, had quite the expensive taste. Three bottles of Dom Perignon sat in his rider box. And no, I wasn't offered a glass. Vintage tequilas, top of the range gins ... not a beer in sight.

Despite the dramatic weather the festival was an all rounder - well organised, well planned and well ... bloody fun. My favourite interviews were with the always smiling Dyed Soundorom, Ryan Crosson of Visionquest and Skream. Down to earth, funny and know a thing or two about music.

It's the day before the big race. After checking some CDs and finalising playlists, I set out for a quick tourist trip to Tiananmen Square and Summer Palace. Big bummer I can't make it to The Great Wall of China ... but hey,  #firstworldproblem
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Observation #1 ... Unlike in Japan where every man, woman and child are wide-eyed giggling behind shy hands and asking for photos of you - the Chinese quite simply couldn't give a toss.
I am quite clearly the tallest, blondest, most alien looking on the subway and no one even bats an eyelid. Talk about feeling invisible.
Yet this quickly changes as I get to The Temple of Heaven. Tourists all pointing iPhones and gadgets this way and that, suddenly start asking for photos. Before I know it there is a queue - yes a queue, of little children and eager adults wanting a photo with moi at the steps of the Tian Tian - the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. 

I'm feeling famous! ...that is, before I get back onto the subway. Ba-humbug.

Observation #2 ... Maps of any kind are completely useless and only there to confuse tourists.
After asking concierge what the best way to the subway was from the hotel, after standing for fifteen minutes trying to decipher his broken English and after walking away two steps feeling pretty victorious the Chinese man stops me, points to the map and says "map no good. All map no good" shrugs, then leaves me to my own devices.

Luckily my sense of direction is pretty good. I manage to figure my way around town despite the ridiculous amount of barricades that try to throw me off my path.

Last night I was invited to a special presentation and dinner hosted by Traktor and Car Craig. Held in a secret location in Ibiza, the event was an intimate affair streamed live by BE-AT and featured Luciano, David Squillace and the host himself, Carl Craig, on the decks showcasing Traktor technology.

Before the sunset alfresco dinner set out magically on the lawn of the finca overlooking the rolling hills of San Antonio, Carl sat down and answered a few questions on his professional relationship with Traktor and how his DJing has been shaped by technology from his vinyl days.

The Traktor debate is still ever present and even more so relevant as some of the biggest DJ's either switch entirely or partly - depending on their gig specs - to the revolutionary technology.

I myself am still a CD die hard, but having fiddled with Traktor a few times I can definitely see the advantages from many points. Especially if one's organisation skills aren't the best.

The night was truly special. Apart from (bascially) private sessions from some of the most respected music makers and mingling with the influencers in the world of electronic music, the vibe was chilled yet fun.

Luciano also revealed all the tracks he had played that night were unreleased and new. It was his chance to road test them before a live audience, working them at different speeds and effects.

With bottles of smoky Mezcal Amores floating around - thanks to Maria and Anthony ( one half of Audiofly), who partly sponsored the event - shots could have instantly turned the gathering into a party.

Special thanks to Hagi Craig for the invitation.

Birthdays.
Just another excuse for a part-ay.

And what better place to celebrate than in Ibiza.

Personally, the stand-out party for me this year is "Rumors" at Beach House, the new chiringuito that's given skanky Playa den Bossa a facelift. The guys from El Chiringuito are behind Beach House - so you can expect top notch quality and service.

After being spoiled with a delicious lunch it was time to his the dance floor.

"Rumors" is the brainchild of Israeli DJ and music producer, Guy Gerber. Guy has always been a personal favourite of mine. His style is unique, his sound is special and can teleport you to another dimension. I haven't had that experience with any other DJ. The dedication he puts into his work, living and breathing music every second is impressive.

Rumors is perfect for a beach location. Dancing in the sand, under the stars to the breeze of the ocean ... what more could you want.

Even better, Beach House charges no entry - so everyone is free to come and no table is needed to enjoy the space.

With so many friends around, great music and vibe you really can't go wrong with having a great birthday.

And that is was.

One of the things I love about Ibiza is the the down right crazy places you will most definitely end up once stepping out of your home.
Today after a fairly chilled day of leisurely sailing around Cala Comte, I end up at the house of Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte. A magnificent villa perched on the cliffs of northern Ibiza, separate small fincas sprawled across the grassy property. Tall palm trees swayed to the breeze. Activities, food stalls and sculptures scattered in between - all of the circus kind.

I probably tried every single flavour of artisan ice-cream handed out by sequin clad women in top hats.


Why such a lavish set you ask? Well, it was the scene for the famed Boiler Room Villa Takeovers.

Walking into the villa grounds, people were spread everywhere. The party had just started so it was difficult to guess numbers. But by the time Paradise creator Jamie Jones stepped up to the decks, I'm guessing around 500 partyers were scattered around the Paradise Circus.

First UP, Kate Simko performed with the London Electronic Orchestra. A live performance of "Benediction" with Ali Love on the mike finished her set and an energetic WAFF set the pace for the rest of the night.

As the sun set on another glorious day, the circus went into night mode. Tripadelic lights, large-scale projections, performances and of course, the dancing. Martinez Brothers pumped up the atmosphere with their RnB laden beats. Then Jamie Jones took the reigns to finish his party right.

This was definitely a party remember. Long after Boiler Room had taken down their production lights the party kept going. No one wanted to leave such a magical setting, but alas ... all good things must come to end.

Great thanks to Guy, the ring leader, who's hospitality was of epic scale.

To Cocoon or not to Cocoon ... what a silly question. Of course YES. Monday nights in Amnesia are just the cherry on the cupcake post a DC10 session. After mingling and having a wee boogie, I set off with some friends to Cocoon to dance away to the beats of what could only be a great back to back set between two greats and inspirations - Luciano and Ricardo Villalobos.


The club was well packed even at the early time of 2am.
Sure enough, those tribal beats and melodies that we have learned to associat

After settling in my usual corner near the DJ booth, I ran into a friend who would then be my partner in crime for the night - Ross Evans.

Ross apart from being Carl Craig's tour manager, has that other talent of music production -  which just quietly, he is killing at the moment. His records have been released on a host of respected labels including Cecile (one of my personal favs), Saved, Noir Music, Get Physical Music and of course, Cocoon.

After spending some time on the Terrace we moved to the Main Room to visit Papa Sven. There I ran into another surprise - Scott Roberston whom I met at Future Festival two years ago at the Cocoon Stage.

As the fiery sun lights the sky with it's amber, saluting another day what better place to see this sight than a beach. And what better inspiration to play a set than facing such a view.

This is one of the many reasons why I love being a DJ in Ibiza. Playing at a beach club, surrounded by such breathtaking acts of nature, you are filled with a sense of gratitude towards life. Watching people as they luxuriously laze about and enjoy the simply things in life as you provide the soundtrack is a lovely place to be in.

I had the pleasure of playing at Experimental Beach Club - part of the Experimental Cocktail Club group that holds posts in London and NYC. It was actually in NYC that this gig came to fruition. After meeting Cameron, a Canadion presenter and entertainer living in NYC at the taping of The Colbert Show, he introduced me to Elisa - the owner of the Experimental Cocktail Clubs and after much planning, a gig in Ibiza came to life. Don't you just love life and its little ways?

My six hour set was made more enjoyable with the familiar faces who came to support me and the wonderful staff at the club. And of course playing with a view like that, how could you get bored. I'd timed the sun setting so that "Sun" by Caribou was the soundtrack as it slowly edged down between the two mountains, leaving with a glowing ray of light and dusky pink remnants.

Track List:
"Sun" by Caribou
"Claustrofobix" by Gabriel Slick
"Mission Venice" by Nightmares on Wax
"Night Drive"  by Lake People
"Hand in Hand" by KlangKuenstler